I never imagined I would find myself at a soccer football match but last week I made my way out to Stade de France to see France vs Austria. I booked the tickets a few months ago, more than anything just so I could say I’ve been to a football match, but also because F is a football fan and he wanted to go.

At first I was worried that it was going to be full of thugs and it might be violent but it wasn’t at all the uncivilized event I thought it was going to be. The fans were fairly quiet and calm, cheering at the 3 French goals and booing at the 1 Austrian goal. Maybe things would have been different if the opposing team was more competitive or, heaven forbid, France had lost. Actually, I must admit, the atmosphere was great. Some of the fans near us were hilarious and every oh la la! and c’est pas vrai! cracked me up. I’m also happy to say I got to see Thierry Henri play (and score a goal), one of the few footballers I actually know and like.

Next I think I’m going to see Paris St Germain play at Parc des Princes. I live just down the road from the ground so I can always hear the fans cheering when a game is on which always makes me wonder what I’m missing out on. Probably nothing but it will be good to see for myself.

Of course, it goes without saying that soccer is one of the most boring sports that exists and it will never be as exciting as an Aussie Rules match but when in Rome…

photo
France 005
France 006
France 007